Leeds General Infirmary nurse guilty of drug dealing

Mark Lavery

A DRUG dealing nurse faces a fight to keep her job at Leeds General Infirmary.

Caroline Allen’s former boyfriend Joe Wood was a cocaine and cannabis dealer and heavy drug user.

But it was Allen, 26, who arranged for friends to buy cannabis from him for seven months, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Handing Allen a suspended prison sentence yesterday, Judge Geoffrey Marson QC told her: “I do not know what effect this will have on your career prospects. It is my hope you will be allowed to continue in your profession.”

Prosecutor, John Bull said police raided Allen and then partner Joe Wood’s address in North Close, Oakwood, last October.

Officers found cocaine with a street value of £560 and cannabis worth £229.

Also found were electronic scales and £3,750 cash.

The couple’s mobile phones were seized and messages found relating to drug dealing.

Both Allen and Wood admitted conspiring to supply cannabis between February 1 and August 25 last year. Wood, 26, and now of Elmete Road, Roundhay, also admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

Wood’s lawyer Nigel Edwards said: “The relationship between he and Miss Allen has broken down. He has lost his home and is back living with his parents.”

Andrew Petterson, for Allen said: “Miss Allen says this criminality was linked to her relationship with Mr Wood. She appreciates the enormous difficulties she has placed herself in by her relationship with Mr Wood.”

Judge Marson handed Allen a 12-month jail sentence and Wood a 14-month sentence - both suspended for two years. Allen must do 150 hours unpaid work and Wood 200 hours.

Judge Marson told them: “You have both thrown your good character away, particularly you Caroline Allen and this conviction will have far reaching consequences for you. I’m just persuaded not to send you immediately to prison today, but it has been a close run thing.” Allen faces a Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust employment tribunal on Tuesday.

A trust spokesman said: “As soon as we became aware that this member of staff had been charged with the offence she was suspended from clinical duties, in line with normal practice. Following the outcome of the court proceedings an internal hearing will be taking place to consider her future employment.”